Audience A3 cabinet volume

[the full ranger]

What is the preferred cabinet volume for Audience A3s in a SEALED enclosure? I have heard everything from 1.5 liters to 2.5 liters per driver.

[Pano]

I'll ask Roger, he should know. Will report back if I get info.

[Pano]

I got an answer back on this.

1-1.25 liters is the preferred sealed volume for modest power handling. That sets the corner of the roll-off at about 125Hz. Midrange is said to be best here, too. Using in a corner or near a wall is the recommend practice to gain some bass.

If the driver is used out away from the wall, then a second, rear firing driver on the back is advised to cancel baffle step loss.

There you have it!

[the full ranger]

That's what I needed to know. I am, however, a bit surprised that the recommended internal volume is so small: 25 years ago, I used to give Bandor and Jordan 50mm modules 1.5 liters per driver - and they were significantly smaller units than the A3s. Still, I will go with your learned recommendation. Many thanks!!!

[Pano]

Sure thing.

It is a tiny volume. But that's from one of the Audience crew who uses and loves this driver. A good starting point, at least.

[Michael Speaker]

Audience website still shows 5L volume for a two driver sealed unit.
audience :Audience A3 Loudspeaker Drivers: Applications

What's the true number? I'm considering using the A3 too.

Thanks,
Michael Speaker

[Scottmoose]

There is no 'true number', just a set of compromises. You pick whatever suits your requirements best. For a 0.707 Qtc, you're looking at a whisker over 1 litre.

[the full ranger]

I'm sticking with Pano's recommendation of 1 to 1.25 litres per driver. Audience's listing of 5 litres for two drivers is old information.

Has anyone tried A3s with passive radiators as Audience is now doing?

[erikb1971]

I am building a set of single A3S drivers in a 2 liter sealed enclosure with a passive radiator at the moment... I am still very busy with different enclosures and sizes and shapes... but so far, I find them to be quite harsh around 10.000Hz... I am just these days finishing new enclosures with rounded edges, "sunken" drivers and the passive radiator in the back... If anyone has any ideas on the harshnes.. please let me know!

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by erikb1971

I am building a set of single A3S drivers in a 2 liter sealed enclosure with a passive radiator at the moment... I am still very busy with different enclosures and sizes and shapes... but so far, I find them to be quite harsh around 10.000Hz... I am just these days finishing new enclosures with rounded edges, "sunken" drivers and the passive radiator in the back... If anyone has any ideas on the harshnes.. please let me know!

I'm not familiar with the specific drivers, but a few general observations/questions from playing with a few small FR types over the years would be

- source / amp type?
- driver break-in?
- rebate for flush mount
- is average listening position as near field as photo implies?
- if you can tolerate a large enough enclosure, try offsetting driver position from center as well as radius all edges